by New York – A 30-year-old college financial aid advisor from upstate New York has been indicted on murder charges after allegedly strangling his girlfriend and setting their apartment on fire while she and their newborn son were still inside, according to authorities.
The shocking incident unfolded on October 18 in Buffalo, New York, when firefighters responded to a blaze at an apartment on Norwood Avenue shortly after 8:30 a.m., the Erie County District Attorney’s Office confirmed in a statement.
Inside the apartment, emergency responders found 29-year-old Kathleen “Katie” Carrig and her four-day-old baby, Noah, both unresponsive. Tragically, neither survived, and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Prosecutors Say the Mother Was Strangled Before Fire
According to investigators, Kidane Haile, the accused, strangled Carrig before setting the home ablaze. He was later found inside the burning apartment and rescued by first responders.
Authorities said Haile was hospitalized for several days and treated for smoke inhalation before being taken into custody upon his release on Wednesday.
He has since been booked on one count of second-degree murder, with prosecutors noting that additional charges are expected pending the ongoing investigation — particularly regarding the death of baby Noah.
The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Carrig’s cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulation, officially ruling her death a homicide.
Suspect Worked as a College Financial Aid Advisor
In a chilling twist, Haile was employed as a financial aid advisor at the University at Buffalo, local outlet WIVB reported.
The university issued a statement to local media, saying that the school maintains a “robust disciplinary process” for addressing employees accused of criminal activity. The university has not publicly confirmed Haile’s employment status since his arrest.
Haile appeared in court on Thursday, where he was ordered held without bail pending further proceedings.
District Attorney Vows Justice for the Victims
Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane released a statement expressing heartbreak over the tragedy while assuring the public that his office is fully committed to securing justice for the victims.
“We are saddened by the tragic death of this young mother and her newborn baby,” Keane said. “While this case remains an active investigation, my office has secured an indictment against this defendant, who is accused of intentionally killing his girlfriend prior to the fire.”
He added, “We are committed to a thorough examination of the evidence and anticipate filing additional charges against the accused. My thoughts remain with the family of these victims as we continue to seek answers and justice.”
If convicted, Haile faces up to 25 years to life in prison, prosecutors confirmed.
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A Community Mourns a “Loving Mother”
An obituary described Kathleen Carrig as a “loving mother” and “devoted daughter, sister, and friend” who adored her infant son and pet dog, Stella.
Carrig was remembered as someone who brought warmth and light to those around her. She is survived by her parents, sister, and a large extended family described as “loving and supportive.”
Neighbors told reporters that Carrig was “excited to start a new chapter as a mom”, making the tragedy even more devastating.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not yet revealed a motive behind the alleged murder and arson. However, investigators are combing through digital evidence, phone records, and witness statements to piece together the events that led to the fatal morning.
Officials said the investigation remains active and further charges are expected as evidence continues to develop.
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